Restaurant Review: Bernie's Hot Dogs in Highlands Ranch, Colorado

by Chris Puetz

Do you like to eat hot dogs? Then you have a fairly new restaurant to visit: Bernie's Hot Dogs in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. This one of a kind (in Highlands Ranch that is) restaurant is definitely not something you should consider if you like to eat fat-free or healthy food. Hot Dogs are considered fast food or junk food and that is what you will get at Bernie's. This franchise restaurant is unique to Highlands Ranch and it is located on the West side of the Highlands Ranch Town center - at the intersection of Highlands Ranch Parkway and Lucent Blvd.

The hot dogs at Bernie's tasted pretty good when I visited this restaurant. The staff was very friendly and the food was delivered in no time. The menu offers a few special hot dogs (think Chilly Dog or Guacamole / stuff like that) as well as regular hot dogs. Fries come extra, but an adult meal order of fries is plenty of food. You can also order a salad + add your favorite soda pop or iced tea. The hot dog menu has a very long list of side items that you can put on your hot dog and customize it to your needs. If you are looking for variety in how you can customize a hot dog, Bernie's Hot Dog definitely is worth a visit.

However, if you are more health conscious like I am, you would better stay away from Bernie's. The fries are addictively good in taste and really separate this restaurant from other fast food joints in the area. The foot long hot dog I had ordered was tasty; however the amount of grease and fat that came with it was just way above my level of tolerance when it comes to food. A meal of that magnitude will come with probably 1500 calories or more (don't worry; I did not finish it as it was too much food for me). Still, I am at the edge of having high cholesterol and this kind of experience does certainly not help to keep the cholesterol level under control.

So, the conclusion? If you are craving for a good hot dog, a visit to Bernie's Hot Dogs in Highlands Ranch might be worth the trip. The prices are pretty moderate and the staff was very friendly. If you need to be careful with your diet, don't go there. It would be nice though if Bernie's would provide Wet-Naps for their customers. You really need it after having eaten there.

About the Author
While this restaurant review is more about unhealthy food, visit the Bread Maker Reviews website to find out how to make your own bread with only healthy ingredients or read Treadmill Reviews to get a healthy exercise machine.

Mickey Mantle's Steakhouse

by Shane Wauhob

Located on the Bricktown Canal, Mickey Mantle's Steakhouse, Oklahoma City was established in 2000. The award winning restaurant is increasing in popularity especially as it is located by the canal and across the street from the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. Thanks to the menu containing contemporary preparations by Daniel Nemec, Executive Chef and Juan Arias, Sous Chef, the excitement lives on among OKC residents and visitors, making this the first option that comes to mind when thinking of a casual dining experience.

Mickey Mantle's Steakhouse is known for its grain fed Mid-Western aged prime beef. But that's not all you can expect from this steakhouse. Apart from daily specials there's fresh seafood waiting for you, and an extensive wine collection of more than 150 selections featuring New and Old World wines offered according to their compatibility with the dishes ordered. The restaurant features a jazz bar and lounge with live music. You can sample the exclusive aromas and tastes of the delightful dishes in a great atmosphere that blends various elements to give the distinctive feel you'll find only here. There's also a wide range of Mickey Mantle memorabilia to check out.

Mickey Mantle's also offers a great socializing experience with much of the celebrity and fashionable Oklahoma City crowd frequenting the restaurant. It gives you a great dining experience and one you'd want to go back to. Mickey Mantle's Steakhouse, OKC is also great for a family and friends' get-together, birthday parties and other special occasions. Guests of OKC hotels need to check out this hot and happening destination.

About the Author
Mickey Mantle's Steakhouse restaurant features a jazz bar and lounge with live music. Hotels Oklahoma City - The Bricktown Hotel and Convention Center is one of the finest hotels in Downtown Oklahoma City and is located only 1.5 miles from Downtown's Bricktown center.

Taking a Look at The Best Las Vegas Strip Restaurants

Celebrity chefs are living the high life by creating gourmet cuisine at lavishly decorated Las Vegas Strip restaurants. Some intense gamblers don't mind "duking it out" over the buffets. Other high-rollers come here to experience the poignant flavors of Wolfgang Puck, Chef Emeril, Charlie Palmer and Michael Mina. In addition to world-renowned chefs, Las Vegas Nevada also has its fair share of homegrown heroes, including André Rochat, of André and Alizé, as well as Michael and Wendy Jordan of Rosemary's just west of the Vegas Strip.

The Las Vegas Strip offers fine dining cuisine only previously seen on TV. Since 1992, celebrity chefs have migrated to Vegas Nevada, choosing to roost in the vibrant city that never sleeps.

Chef Emeril Lagasse first carved a name for himself in New Orleans with his lobster bisque, "Tournedos au Poivre," which includes grilled petite beef medallions with roasted shallots and haricot vert, parmesan crusted baked tomato and brandy peppercorn sauce, filet mignon and signature banana cream pie with whipped cream, chocolate shavings and caramel sauce. Now visitors can enjoy delicious entrees in the $30-50/dish price range amid vaulted ceilings, quaint French doors and a petit grand piano at the "Delmonico Steakhouse."

For travelers who haven't quite hit it big at a Las Vegas casino yet, there are more modest offerings that are explosive in flavor but not in price. "Cravings" in the Mirage Hotel boasts the biggest menu over any other Las Vegas hotel restaurant, with buffet-style dishes from Japan, China, Mexico, France, Italy and more for $15-25/person.

"The Sterling Brunch" at Bally's Steakhouse fills bellies with seared salmon, smoked fish, bagels, fresh shrimp, waffles, omelets, sushi, sashimi and desserts, making this the ideal option for a special occasion, at only $30/person.

Another one of the best buffets in Vegas is at The Bellagio Hotel. Presentation is big here at this $32/person gourmet dining experience. There is a vast array of Italian, Chinese and American options. Just off the Vegas strip on Sahara is "Hash House A Go Go," which is ideal for families with five types of scrambled egg skillets, five kinds of eggs benedict or dinners, like sage fried chicken, stuffed meatloaf and blue crab cakes.

Many people gravitate to the Las Vegas Strip eateries in search of the famed "cheap buffets" and "$2 feasts" that the city was once exclusively known for. While much has changed, as celebrity chefs and intense competition has wreaked havoc on the prices, there are still some fantastic deals.

Ask for "the gambler's special" at Mr. Lucky's in the Hardrock Hotel for $7.77 that includes steak, shrimp, salad and potatoes. Slip inside the Klondike for $2.49 spaghetti, salad and breadsticks or $5.99 prime rib.

The Ellis Island Casino & Brewery offers 24/7 breakfasts that include two eggs and bacon for $2.95 or a 10 ounce sirloin steak and eggs for $5.95. Also try McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant for $1.95 Monday thru Friday specials (from 3:30 - 6:30 pm or 9:30 - 11 pm) to get tasty pub grub, like a half-pound cheeseburger, Buffalo wings, jalapeno poppers or southwest chicken empanadas. For low-priced but delicious buffets, check out Circus Circus, Main Street Station, The Orleans, Palace Station, The Palms and Sahara.

About the Author
Mike Selvon has some great las vegas articles. Find out more tips on las vegas strip restaurants at his resourceful site. We appreciate your feedback at our las vegas activities blog.

Showmars Casual Dining Fast a Restaurant Review

Showmars a staple here in Charlotte, North Carolina has more than 25 locations in Charlotte and the surrounding areas. This Greek inspired restaurant serves up delicious fast food in a casual dining environment.

There are 27 locations within Charlotte and its surrounding cities. Only two of the Showmars restaurants are franchises. Which is unique in itself and that’s why Showmars food and customer service is consistent at all locations. I have frequented several locations and the ones that stand out are the Dilworth and the Fort Mill location.

My Showmars favorites are the fresh flounder dinner and the gyro dinner and the Greek salad. The calabash shrimp dinner is an extremely popular item. The plates overflow with nice big pieces of shrimp.

Sandwiches you must try are Fresh Filet Fish sandwich, gyro, Grilled chicken pita, and the Old fashion pita burger. Showmars has the best fish sandwich in town. You’ll love their salads especially the Greek salads with grilled chicken or gyro meat.

Showmars has one of the most attentive and friendliest staffs. They take pride in their restaurants. Managers greet you at the door. They want you to have a pleasant experience so you’ll come back and again. And I do just that.

But no matter how nice the staff is you wouldn’t come back if the food wasn’t delicious. And Showmars exceeds your expectations.

Showmars prides itself in a fun friendly atmosphere which serves fresh cooked to order food at reasonable prices. Plus, they give you generous portions. I have to admit that Showmars delivers every time.

If you’re new to the Charlotte Area you need to pay them a visit as soon as you can. And if you’re passing through make this one of your stops.

I have three categories in which I put a dining experience in.
1. Recommended – Meaning I would eat there again and recommend it to others.
2. Toss up – Means you have to decide for yourself by visiting the establishment.
3. Drive By – Means keep on driving pass the restaurant.

So which category does Showmars fall in? I would have to say Recommended.

Until next time Bon appétit!

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